Matthew Perry, the iconic star of “Friends”, tragically passed away at the age of 54 in his Los Angeles residence. He was discovered unresponsive in his hot tub on Saturday. As investigations continue, the authorities have stated that drugs were not present at the scene and they suspect no foul play.
Perry began his acting journey as a child with roles on “Charles in Charge” and “Beverly Hills 90210”. However, he became a global sensation with the hit show “Friends”, where he portrayed Chandler Bing. This role earned him widespread acclaim, making him a household name and boosting his career to include notable roles in movies like “Fools Rush In” and “The Whole Nine Yards”.
Despite his on-screen success, Perry faced personal challenges, notably his battles with addiction. In his 2022 memoir, he delved into his lifelong struggles with alcohol and opioids. Perry also revealed the pressures he felt performing in front of live audiences and the emptiness he felt despite achieving the “American dream”.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe. Warner Bros. Television Group, which produced “Friends”, expressed their deep sorrow, citing Perry’s comedic genius that resonated with audiences worldwide. NBC, which aired “Friends” for its entire 10 seasons, also paid homage to Perry’s unmatched wit and humor.
Perry’s fellow actors, colleagues, and fans have been expressing their grief on social media. Among them, Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice on “Friends”, remembered the joy Perry brought to many. Even Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who shared childhood memories with Perry, took to social media to pay his respects.
Throughout his career, Perry remained active in television, with roles in “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” and “Go On”. Following a near-death experience in 2018, he found solace in writing, which led to the creation of his memoir. Despite the challenges, Perry’s emphasis was on helping others and making a difference.
